King James Version

What Does Jeremiah 11:17 Mean?

Jeremiah 11:17 in the King James Version says “For the LORD of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, for the evil of the house of Israel and of ...” — study this verse from Jeremiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the LORD of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke me to anger in offering incense unto Baal.”

Jeremiah 11:17 · KJV

Context

15

What hath my beloved to do in mine house, seeing she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee? when thou doest evil, then thou rejoicest. What: Heb. What is to my beloved in my house when: or, when thy evil is

16

The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.

17

For the LORD of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke me to anger in offering incense unto Baal.

18

And the LORD hath given me knowledge of it, and I know it: then thou shewedst me their doings.

19

But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter; and I knew not that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit thereof, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be no more remembered. the tree: Heb. the stalk with his bread

Read Jeremiah 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse explains the fire: 'For the LORD of hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced evil against thee, for the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against themselves to provoke me to anger in offering incense unto Baal.' God who 'planted' (nata) Israel now pronounces judgment (ra'ah). The phrase 'done against themselves' (le'hem, for themselves) indicates self-destructive sin—they harm themselves by provoking God. 'Offering incense unto Baal' (leqatter laBa'al) specifies the offense: idolatrous worship. The title 'LORD of hosts' (YHWH Tseva'oth) emphasizes divine military power to execute judgment. Both houses—Israel and Judah—share guilt for Baal worship spanning centuries.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The dual mention of Israel and Judah connects the northern kingdom's past judgment (722 BC) with Judah's approaching doom. Despite witnessing Israel's destruction for Baal worship, Judah persisted in the same sins. The phrase 'done against themselves' appears also in Jeremiah 7:19, emphasizing that sin is ultimately self-destructive—harming the sinner more than God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How is sin simultaneously an offense against God and self-destructive harm to the sinner?
  2. What does God's role as both Planter and Pronouncer of judgment reveal about His comprehensive sovereignty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיהוָ֤ה1 of 19

“For the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָאוֹת֙2 of 19

“of hosts”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

הַנּוֹטֵ֣עַ3 of 19

“that planted”

H5193

properly, to strike in, i.e., fix; specifically, to plant (literally or figuratively)

אוֹתָ֔ךְ4 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

דִּבֶּ֥ר5 of 19

“thee hath pronounced”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עָלַ֖יִךְ6 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

רָעַ֨ת7 of 19

“evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

בִּ֠גְלַל8 of 19

“against thee for”

H1558

a circumstance (as rolled around); only used adverbially, on account of

רָעַ֨ת9 of 19

“evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

וּבֵ֣ית10 of 19

“and of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל11 of 19

“of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וּבֵ֣ית12 of 19

“and of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יְהוּדָ֗ה13 of 19

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אֲשֶׁ֨ר14 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשׂ֥וּ15 of 19

“which they have done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לָהֶ֛ם16 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לְהַכְעִסֵ֖נִי17 of 19

“against themselves to provoke me to anger”

H3707

to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant

לְקַטֵּ֥ר18 of 19

“in offering incense”

H6999

to smoke, i.e., turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)

לַבָּֽעַל׃19 of 19

“unto Baal”

H1168

baal, a phoenician deity

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Jeremiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Jeremiah 11:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Jeremiah 11:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 5:2Jeremiah 2:21Jeremiah 12:2Jeremiah 19:15Jeremiah 7:9Jeremiah 42:10

Test Your Knowledge

Jeremiah 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJeremiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Jeremiah 11 with CommentaryAll Jeremiah ChaptersComplete Jeremiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes